certain
gb/sˈɚtən/ us/sˈɚtən/
B1
English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
state
1
Sure about something
Feeling sure that something is true or will happen.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is certain (that) [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'certain' with 'sure' and overuse one form; 'certain' is slightly more formal than 'sure'.
Synonyms
sure (Slightly more common in everyday conversation, especially in American English.)
Antonyms
uncertain (Indicates doubt or lack of confidence about something.)
Collocations
absolutely certain
|quite certain
|certain about
|certain that
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I’m certain we left the keys on the table.
- She’s certain that she saw him at the party.
- Are you certain this is the right address?
- He seemed certain of his decision.
- They are certain it will rain tomorrow.
Learner examples
- I am certain this is my bag.
- She is certain she can help.
- He is certain they will come.
- We are certain about our choice.
adjective
B2
property
2
Specific but unnamed
Used to talk about a specific person or thing without giving details.
Usage pattern:
a certain [person/thing/place]
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly think 'a certain' means 'any' rather than 'a specific but unnamed'.
Synonyms
particular (Emphasizes individuality or specificity; often interchangeable but 'particular' may sound more formal.)
Antonyms
unspecified (Indicates that no specific person or thing is meant.)
Collocations
a certain amount
|a certain type
|a certain way
Themes
communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- A certain man called while you were out.
- We need a certain amount of time to finish.
- There’s a certain charm to old houses.
- She spoke with a certain authority.
Learner examples
- A certain boy is waiting outside.
- We need a certain tool for this job.
- There is a certain smell in this room.
adjective
B2
property
3
Inevitable or guaranteed
Something that will definitely happen.
Synonyms
inevitable (Formal and emphasizes impossibility of avoiding something.)
Antonyms
uncertain (Implies that the outcome is not guaranteed.)
Collocations
certain death
|certain victory
|certain success
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Failure was certain if they didn’t act quickly.
- With this plan, success is almost certain.
- His injury made defeat certain.
Learner examples
- Rain is certain tomorrow.
- Victory was certain for the team.
- It is certain we will meet again.
Grammar
Dictionary form
certain
IPA
GB/sˈɚtən/
US/sˈɚtən/
Syllables & stress
cer - tain (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cer)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: certain
Word family
Expressions
a certain amount of
1/ə sˈɚtən əmˈaʊnt əv/
fixed phrase
Specific but unspecified quantity
Some amount, but not said exactly how much.
Examples
- There’s a certain amount of risk involved.
- The job requires a certain amount of skill.
for certain
1/fɚ sˈɚtən/
fixed phrase
Without any doubt
Knowing something completely and without any doubt.
Examples
- I know for certain that she was there.
- We can’t say for certain what happened.
to make certain
1/tə mˈeɪk sˈɚtən/
fixed phrase
Ensure something happens or is true
To do something so that you are sure it will happen or is correct.
Examples
- Please make certain all the doors are locked.
- I checked twice to make certain we had enough tickets.